Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Program (PDMD)

• Neurology diagnoses movement disorders and provides medication. Neurology providers specializing in movement disorders also provide programming for deep brain stimulators (DBS) to maximize the effects of the device and each Veteran’s level of function.
• Rehabilitation medicine performs a comprehensive assessment focused on your daily function. They may recommend one or more therapies to maximize your quality of life.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) 

• Surgery may be indicated as a treatment for certain movement disorders including Parkinson’s Disease, essential tremor and dystonia. DBS is most effective for those with disabling tremors, significant wearing-off spells and dyskinesias (involuntary movements) caused by medications.

• DBS is now offered at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System for Veterans within VISN 23 (North/South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota) and is considered after a comprehensive evaluation from several team members, including neurology, neuropsychology and neurosurgery. The DBS evaluation process consists of several in-person clinic appointments over the course of weeks to months. Veterans and their care partners work together with the DBS team to determine if DBS is right for them. Talk to your local neurologist to learn more.

More information about DBS

• Learn more about Deep Brain Stimulation, a surgical treatment option for Veterans with movement disorders offered through the Minneapolis VA Health Care System: DBS brochure
• Watch this webinar to hear all about DBS from Minneapolis VA neurologist Dr. Scott Lewis and neurosurgeon Dr. Robert McGovern: Surgical Options for Veterans Living with Parkinson's Disease (YouTube video)
• Read about DBS: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) | Parkinson's Foundation

• Regular follow up and interval check-ins throughout the disease process
• 1:1 therapies (PT/OT/speech) in person and virtual
• Home safety evaluations and equipment needs assessments
• 10+ virtual groups for wellness/exercise and voice each week
• Intensive programming

Watch a sample of our PD exercise groups! And talk to your physical therapist for more information.

Outpatient (in person and/or virtual)

• LSVT BIG®: 16+ total sessions over 6 consecutive weeks; LSVT BIG® Outpatient Hybrid Program brochure
• LSVT LOUD®: 16+ total sessions over 6 consecutive weeks
• SPEAKOUT!®: 8-12 total sessions over 4 weeks

Inpatient residential

• Living Large Program: includes intensive therapies listed above during a 5-week inpatient stay within our Polytrauma Transitional Rehab Program (PTRP). You must be independent with self-cares and mobility.
• Living Large Program Refresher: this program is for you if you need a “tune up” with overall function and have completed intensive programming in the past. You must be independent with self-cares and mobility.

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group (virtual)

Minneapolis VA is proud to carry on our 20+ year tradition of providing a forum where Veterans with Parkinson’s Disease, and their caregivers, can get education and support.

• See the event page for details

Parkinson’s Caregiver Support Group

The Minneapolis VA Caregiver Program is hosting a virtual group for caregivers of Veterans with Parkinson’s Disease.

• See the event page for details

• Veterans and Parkinson's: Mobility and Driving Safety (video) - Hear from Parkinson's disease experts, including a movement disorder specialist, physical therapist, and occupational therapist, discussing common PD-related mobility challenges and the importance of recognizing and managing fall risk and driving safety.
• Veterans and PD: What You Need to Know (video)
• Parkinson's Foundation Veteran Resources (video channel) - Webinar recordings from the Parkinson's Foundation.

• Parkinson’s Foundation Fitness Fridays (video channel) - join live or view previously recorded sessions
• American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA) St Louis Chapter on YouTube (video channel)
• Parkinson's Foundation Minnesota Wellness Programs - listed by city

• Caring for a Veteran with Parkinson's - Parkinson's Foundation

Minnesota Military Radio, Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery and Disabled American Veterans, January 30, 2022

Minneapolis VA Health Care System, First deep brain stimulator surgery at Minneapolis VA Medical Center, January 5, 2022

These educational events are VA or community based.

Minneapolis VA Health Care System events

Parkinson’s General Support Group (in person and virtual)

• Thursday, April 18, 2024, 1:00-3:00 p.m., no registration required
• In person: Minneapolis VA Medical Center, room 3B-108
• Virtual: login by 1:15 p.m., join event

Parkinson’s Foundation events

Minnesota Spring Parkinson's Symposium (in person and virtual)

• Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., registration required
• In person: in Arden Hills, Minnesota
• Virtual via Zoom
• Get the details and register

Resources and support

Minnesota and Dakotas Chapter events

Community events

Parkinson's Awareness Day at Target Field

• Thursday, June 20, 2024, noon, plan to arrive by 11:00 a.m.
• Call Joleen at to sign up. Veterans with Parkinson's Disease can receive two free, accessible tickets (availability is limited).
• Join other Veterans and your VA care team at Target Field!